"The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple." ~ S. Gudder ~
ANNOUNCEMENTS!
I appreciate your participation with each other and your kindness to me during this math track. I'm sure I learned more from you than you learned from me.
I wish you the best as you solve whatever problems come your way!
I invite you to spend a focused half-hour reviewing today's concepts and write several example problems with step-by-step algebra explained in your native language and in English. The purpose of homework is to improve your understanding -- not to get "points" -- therefore I won't collect your homework. However, I encourage you to compile your class notes and homework for a concise algebra review to reference later. Feel free to study with a classmate for good math and language review.
Daily Concepts
After class each day, I will write a brief summary of what math concepts we reviewed. You can use these key words to search for other references outside of class or even after the academic track has ended.
Day 1: course introduction with syllabus, pre-assessment
Day 2: "sum 1-100", translating math notation to English vocabulary (subsets of rational numbers, operations, algebra terms), "circle counting", classmate introductions
Day 3: "teacher age", operations ( + - x / ) with signed integers, order of operations ( P.E.M.D.A.S. ), operations ( + - x / ) with exponents
Day 4: "3x3 square #1-9", operations ( + - x / ) with fractions, decimals, scientific notation
Excursion: Humanitarian Center, Gateway Mall, Clark Planetarium, Bingham Copper Mine
Day 5: new seating, operations with polynomials "eliminating parenthesis", multiple-choice review questions
Day 6: "number pattern sequences" intro to functions, graphing linear equations, "desmos.com", slope-intercept form
Day 7: "graphing situations", review of linear graphs and equations (given two points, given standard form, given a point and a slope)
Excursion: lunch, Math Olympi-add, movie Apollo 13
Day 8: "moon gravity", graphing linear inequalities, finish Apollo 13, discussion
Day 9: "Olympic medals", solving systems of linear equations (guess and check, graphing, substitution, elimination), intro to Khan Academy
Day 10: "primes 1-100", factoring polynomials ( Ax^2 + Bx + C , perfect squares, by grouping), solving and graphing quadratic equations (using factors to find intercepts)
Day 11: "casino games", random seating chart, multiple-choice review questions
Day 12: "drawing shapes", 2- and 3-dimensional shapes/properties (perimeter, area, surface area, volume), triangles (right, 30-60-90, 45-45-90), Pythagorean theorem
Day 13: "formula for primes?", introduction to more graphs/equations ( trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic ), multiple-choice review questions
Day 14: course reflection, post-assessment, story The Lesson by Carol Lynn Pearson
Closing Social
Suggested Online Resources:
To Review and Practice Concepts
IXL Learning Practice problems with explanations from each grade (kindergarten through 9th-grade algebra).
Khan Academy Over 3,200 tutorial videos on many academic subjects "to help you learn what you want, when you want, at your own pace." One of the most comprehensive and widely-used instructional video sites.
Purplemath Algebra lessons that emphasize practical problem solving by demonstrating dependable techniques, as well as identifying common mistakes and trick questions. This is an excellent starting place to find other online math resources.
Exercises in Math Readiness The Department of Math/Stats at the University of Saskatchewan have put together practice problems on the basics of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and functions. Site offers several difficulty levels and solutions with brief explanations.
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives A Utah State University team has developed a library of interactive concept tutorials for increased engagement and understanding of math concepts. These web-based virtual manipulatives are mostly in the form of Java applets.
Educreations This site makes it easy to combine screen capture and voice recording to create instructional videos. Click on some of the sample videos and browse a teacher's videos to find applicable topics.
Math.com Navigate the site from the Homework Help tab, then Select Subject and choose what topics you would like to review. Next, click through Steps 1-4 for explanations and examples.
Math History lectures This video series was a course given at the University of New South Wales (Australia) by N.J. Wildberger.
To Solve or Graph
Wolfram|Alpha A computational knowledge engine that can provide a thorough answer to almost any question! An elegant combination for fans of Wikipedia and Google.
Desmos.com A "beautiful, free online graphing calculator" that strives to make the math understanding of all students grow at the same rate as easy-to-use technology.
Mathway Select a subject, then solve a problem, graph a function, or create a practice worksheet.
To Take Practice Tests
AnokaRamsey This community college has developed three multiple-choice online tests to assess knowledge level for basic arithmetic, elementary algebra, and college algebra.
Diagnostic Testing Project Two California universities have developed two multiple-choice online tests to assess knowledge level prior to trigonometry or calculus courses.
Aims Practice Tests for elementary algebra and college algebra -- organized problem sets are followed with explanations of solutions.
Here is the first version of a custom assessment (targeting Accuplacer objectives) created for the first session of the USU Global Academy math review track:
[blank pre-assessment - solutions]
Other Resources for USU Summer Program:
Tutoring sessions: Cultural assistants are available every Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Business building (BUS 116). They can help with homework, practice conversing in English, help you better understand the culture here -- anything to help make this program a good experience for you. (However, don't expect them to be math experts.)
Several of you have approached me about studying for the GRE (Graduate Records Examination) -- start at this quantitative analysis link on ets.org
Math tutoring center: It's free and open Monday through Thursday from 1:00-5:00 pm (until July 18th). I have several friends who work there and they would love helping you review or write up homework! You can find it on the northeast side of the TSC on the second floor. (Guaranteed to be math experts!)
Can't find a building on campus? Search this interactive USU map or orient yourself with this overview map of campus.
Need school supplies? Looking for a book? Want some USU Aggie souvenirs? Visit both sides of the USU Bookstore in the bottom floor of the Taggart Student Center (TSC).
For general questions about Utah State, search the official website usu.edu for admission details and degree options/requirements.
Want some ideas of how to explore Cache Valley and make the most of your spare time? Browse the Cache Valley Visitor's Bureau or this local guide for some ideas.
Need to catch the bus? Check out the local bus routes maps and scheduling.
Attend the Cache Valley Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings (open until 1:00pm - directions to Merlin Olsen Park). Buy local produce, arts, and crafts. Come hungry and eat a tasty breakfast/lunch from local food venders - maybe some fresh bread, vegetables, or lemonade?
How can I study better? The USU Academic Resource Center provides idea sheets to help you study smart -- be sure to browse all the side-tabs to find what is most helpful for you.
Curious about the religious beliefs of the Mormon majority in this area? Explore the worldwide LDS Church website to learn more.
For questions, comments, problems, or suggestions regarding this wikispace (last edited July 2012), contact Mr. Kenneth Bennion at < ken.ben@aggiemail.usu.edu >
Welcome Global Academy Students!
"The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple." ~ S. Gudder ~ANNOUNCEMENTS!
I appreciate your participation with each other and your kindness to me during this math track. I'm sure I learned more from you than you learned from me.I wish you the best as you solve whatever problems come your way!
About this class:
Course Introduction (Syllabus)Questions? Feel free to email me at < ken.ben@aggiemail.usu.edu >
Handouts to save/reference/print:
Opening Day Questionnaire
English Terms for #1-100
Blank Chart for Bilingual #1-100
Ordinal Numbers - pronunciation
Pre-Assessment (v.2) - blank - solutions
Salt Lake Excursion - itinerary - reflection
Math Olympi-add (v.2) - challenges - solutions
Apollo 13 movie - teacher intro - student questionnaire
Mental Treadmill - Focus Five - challenge problems
Post-Assessment (v.1) - blank - solutions
Suggested Homework:
I invite you to spend a focused half-hour reviewing today's concepts and write several example problems with step-by-step algebra explained in your native language and in English. The purpose of homework is to improve your understanding -- not to get "points" -- therefore I won't collect your homework. However, I encourage you to compile your class notes and homework for a concise algebra review to reference later. Feel free to study with a classmate for good math and language review.Daily Concepts
After class each day, I will write a brief summary of what math concepts we reviewed. You can use these key words to search for other references outside of class or even after the academic track has ended.Day 1: course introduction with syllabus, pre-assessment
Day 2: "sum 1-100", translating math notation to English vocabulary (subsets of rational numbers, operations, algebra terms), "circle counting", classmate introductions
Day 3: "teacher age", operations ( + - x / ) with signed integers, order of operations ( P.E.M.D.A.S. ), operations ( + - x / ) with exponents
Day 4: "3x3 square #1-9", operations ( + - x / ) with fractions, decimals, scientific notation
Excursion: Humanitarian Center, Gateway Mall, Clark Planetarium, Bingham Copper Mine
Day 5: new seating, operations with polynomials "eliminating parenthesis", multiple-choice review questions
Day 6: "number pattern sequences" intro to functions, graphing linear equations, "desmos.com", slope-intercept form
Day 7: "graphing situations", review of linear graphs and equations (given two points, given standard form, given a point and a slope)
Excursion: lunch, Math Olympi-add, movie Apollo 13
Day 8: "moon gravity", graphing linear inequalities, finish Apollo 13, discussion
Day 9: "Olympic medals", solving systems of linear equations (guess and check, graphing, substitution, elimination), intro to Khan Academy
Day 10: "primes 1-100", factoring polynomials ( Ax^2 + Bx + C , perfect squares, by grouping), solving and graphing quadratic equations (using factors to find intercepts)
Day 11: "casino games", random seating chart, multiple-choice review questions
Day 12: "drawing shapes", 2- and 3-dimensional shapes/properties (perimeter, area, surface area, volume), triangles (right, 30-60-90, 45-45-90), Pythagorean theorem
Day 13: "formula for primes?", introduction to more graphs/equations ( trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic ), multiple-choice review questions
Day 14: course reflection, post-assessment, story The Lesson by Carol Lynn Pearson
Closing Social
Suggested Online Resources:
To Review and Practice Concepts
IXL Learning Practice problems with explanations from each grade (kindergarten through 9th-grade algebra).
Khan Academy Over 3,200 tutorial videos on many academic subjects "to help you learn what you want, when you want, at your own pace." One of the most comprehensive and widely-used instructional video sites.
Purplemath Algebra lessons that emphasize practical problem solving by demonstrating dependable techniques, as well as identifying common mistakes and trick questions. This is an excellent starting place to find other online math resources.
Exercises in Math Readiness The Department of Math/Stats at the University of Saskatchewan have put together practice problems on the basics of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and functions. Site offers several difficulty levels and solutions with brief explanations.
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives A Utah State University team has developed a library of interactive concept tutorials for increased engagement and understanding of math concepts. These web-based virtual manipulatives are mostly in the form of Java applets.
Educreations This site makes it easy to combine screen capture and voice recording to create instructional videos. Click on some of the sample videos and browse a teacher's videos to find applicable topics.
Math.com Navigate the site from the Homework Help tab, then Select Subject and choose what topics you would like to review. Next, click through Steps 1-4 for explanations and examples.
Math History lectures This video series was a course given at the University of New South Wales (Australia) by N.J. Wildberger.
To Solve or Graph
Wolfram|Alpha A computational knowledge engine that can provide a thorough answer to almost any question! An elegant combination for fans of Wikipedia and Google.
Desmos.com A "beautiful, free online graphing calculator" that strives to make the math understanding of all students grow at the same rate as easy-to-use technology.
Mathway Select a subject, then solve a problem, graph a function, or create a practice worksheet.
To Take Practice Tests
AnokaRamsey This community college has developed three multiple-choice online tests to assess knowledge level for basic arithmetic, elementary algebra, and college algebra.
Diagnostic Testing Project Two California universities have developed two multiple-choice online tests to assess knowledge level prior to trigonometry or calculus courses.
Aims Practice Tests for elementary algebra and college algebra -- organized problem sets are followed with explanations of solutions.
Here is the first version of a custom assessment (targeting Accuplacer objectives) created for the first session of the USU Global Academy math review track:
[blank pre-assessment - solutions]
Other Resources for USU Summer Program:
Tutoring sessions: Cultural assistants are available every Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Business building (BUS 116). They can help with homework, practice conversing in English, help you better understand the culture here -- anything to help make this program a good experience for you. (However, don't expect them to be math experts.)
Several of you have approached me about studying for the GRE (Graduate Records Examination) -- start at this quantitative analysis link on ets.org
Math tutoring center: It's free and open Monday through Thursday from 1:00-5:00 pm (until July 18th). I have several friends who work there and they would love helping you review or write up homework! You can find it on the northeast side of the TSC on the second floor. (Guaranteed to be math experts!)
Can't find a building on campus? Search this interactive USU map or orient yourself with this overview map of campus.
Need school supplies? Looking for a book? Want some USU Aggie souvenirs? Visit both sides of the USU Bookstore in the bottom floor of the Taggart Student Center (TSC).
For general questions about Utah State, search the official website usu.edu for admission details and degree options/requirements.
Want some ideas of how to explore Cache Valley and make the most of your spare time? Browse the Cache Valley Visitor's Bureau or this local guide for some ideas.
Need to catch the bus? Check out the local bus routes maps and scheduling.
Attend the Cache Valley Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings (open until 1:00pm - directions to Merlin Olsen Park). Buy local produce, arts, and crafts. Come hungry and eat a tasty breakfast/lunch from local food venders - maybe some fresh bread, vegetables, or lemonade?
How can I study better? The USU Academic Resource Center provides idea sheets to help you study smart -- be sure to browse all the side-tabs to find what is most helpful for you.
Curious about the religious beliefs of the Mormon majority in this area? Explore the worldwide LDS Church website to learn more.
For questions, comments, problems, or suggestions regarding this wikispace (last edited July 2012), contact Mr. Kenneth Bennion at < ken.ben@aggiemail.usu.edu >